Lifelong Learning Academy and
Sarasota International Dance Festival Present
“Nureyev: Personal Memories of a Genius”
January 28, February 4, 18 § USF Sarasota-Manatee
In this special three-part series, dancer, director and choreographer Robert de Warren explores his 25-year friendship with Rudolf Nureyev. The series, which also serves as a fundraiser for both organizations, culminates in an award ceremony and reception honoring de Warren and his own contributions to the local and international arts communities.
(Sarasota-Manatee, Florida) Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA) and the Sarasota International Dance Festival (SIDF) present “Nureyev: Personal Memories of a Genius,” January 28, February 4, 18, at the Selby Auditorium at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In this three-part program, which also serves as a fundraiser for both organizations, Robert de Warren, dancer, director, choreographer and former artistic director of the Sarasota Ballet, relays the memories that he and his wife Jacqueline shared with Rudolf Nureyev over the course of their 25-year friendship with the renowned Russian dancer. At the final session, de Warren will be presented with an award from the commissioners of the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County for his outstanding and vital contributions to the local and international arts communities. The award ceremony, February 18, 3:30-5 p.m., will be followed by a cocktail reception, 5-7 p.m., catered by Michael’s on East. Tickets are $135 for the three workshops, awards ceremony and reception; $75 for the final workshop, awards ceremony and reception; $50 for the reception only. Proceeds from the series will benefit Lifelong Learning Academy and Sarasota International Dance Festival. To register and for more information, visit www.LLA-SM.org or call 941-359-4296.
Robert de Warren is no stranger to great dancers and great dance. As an accomplished dancer, director, ballet master and choreographer, he has worked with such major companies as the Royal Ballet, the Stuttgart Ballet and La Scala. De Warren first met the charismatic Rudolf Nureyev as an admiring colleague. The two went on to become dance collaborators, an association that then blossomed into a friendship between the two that lasted 25 years. In his three-part series, “Nureyev: Personal Memories of a Genius,” de Warren presents his quarter-century-long discovery of the inner workings of his friend, who is also considered to be one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. The last session of the series includes an award ceremony at which Sarasota City and County commissioners will present de Warren, who is also the founder of SIDF and a former artistic director of the Sarasota Ballet, with an award in recognition of his outstanding and vital contributions to the Sarasota and international arts communities. That final session will also be followed by a cocktail celebration catered by Michael’s on East.
Dates and topics for the series are:
- January 28, 3 – 4:40 pm: Childhood to Defection
- February 4, 3 – 4:30 pm: The Dance Genius
- February 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m. The Choreographer and Award Ceremony
- February 18, 5 – 7 p.m. Reception
“We’re delighted to co-present this series with Robert de Warren and to publically recognize his significant contributions to our area’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” says Janna Overstreet, executive director of Lifelong Learning Academy.
Lifelong Learning Academy offers four course terms annually. Each course lasts two to eight sessions; most classes meet for an hour and 20 minutes weekly. For more information about Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org to view or request a catalog.
